Sponsored Immigrants

Sponsorship of an immigrant means a U.S. citizen or LPR has signed an I-864 USCIS Affidavit of Support stating that he or she will support the immigrant. Under such sponsorship, the income and assets of the sponsor and the sponsor's spouse are considered available to the immigrant.

Exception: Do not apply sponsor deeming when determining eligibility for all sponsored lawfully present noncitizen children under the age of 21 or pregnant women applying for or enrolled in MA with FFP or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) funded MA.

The Sponsor Letter (DHS-3453) is sent with a request for sponsors to send proof of their income and assets. Sponsor income is counted as unearned income. For a copy of the Sponsor Letter (DHS-3453) click on the icon below.

Sponsorship only applies to family and employment-based immigrants who entered the U.S. or adjusted their status on or after 12/19/97. It does not apply to Refugees, Asylees or non-family/employment-based immigrants or people applying for EMA.

The policy for sponsored immigrants is outlined in the policy manual, which you may want to note for your reference.

The list of codes can be found on the USCIS code site. Look at the code descriptions listed for family-based or employment-based codes, which may mean a client has a sponsor.